For Preschool/Kindergarten

Block building continues but encourage horizontal as well as vertical structures. In essence, as the child grows, three dimensional structures should develop. If the child does not do this spontaneously, build a four walled frame for a simple house and encourage the child to continue the pattern by stacking blocks around the first layer.

Puzzles, bead and block designs become more complex. Individual form board type puzzles should lead to integrated puzzles. Do not push the child to complex puzzles until successful with a limited number of pieces. When helping with puzzles skills, direct the child’s attention to the straight edges and corners. This helps build important spatial concepts.

Note the increasing complexity of the puzzles

When moving on to “integrated puzzles” emphasize edges and corners.

Recommended puzzles (with a nice gradation in degree of difficulty):

Judy

Laurie

Ravensberger

Games with Spatial Components can be introduced (with the older preschooler):

More Balloons, Bubbles and Eye Hand activities (e.g learning to catch a ball)

Flashlight tag

Glitter wands

Obviously visual spatial and visual perceptual skills play a key role in learning to read and write as well as understanding many math concepts. With so many fun activities listed here to get through, WHY would you waste time on boring flash cards and workbooks with a preschooler ?!?!